Peace indicator | Potoci

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Empowered women

_{Author: Mirza Lalić}

The subject of women’s status in the contemporary democratic world is no longer a prominent concern, thanks to significant advancements made in achieving women’s liberation and equality. Nevertheless, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there is a need to establish legal regulations and effectively demonstrate these principles in practice. Additionally, the significant hardships endured by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mostar, and Potoci during the war, coupled with the enduring emotional and physical scars carried by victims from all factions, have a far-reaching influence on various aspects of society, including the realms of gender equality and the status of women.

Drawing from my personal life experiences and extensive career in the Social Services Department of the former municipality of North Mostar, particularly in the realm of culture, I have gained a deep understanding of the inadequate position of women. However, I have also observed that our society is in a state of transition, standing at a crucial juncture between becoming a divided society or an exemplar of unity and reconciliation.

Compelled by this realization and making use of the newfound free time in my retirement, I have partnered with my colleagues at the Cultural and Artistic Society of the region of Bijelo Polje to initiate a project. Our goal is to establish a collaborative “women’s section” that will serve as a unifying platform for women of diverse nationalities and preferences from our community. Through this section, we will arrange educational workshops, seminars, lectures, interactive discussions, informative sessions, and similar activities.

With the generous support of our friends, sponsors, and donors, we were able to secure the necessary financial and logistical resources. Subsequently, we extended an invitation to numerous women from diverse backgrounds, encompassing varying nationalities, religions, cultures, ideologies, political affiliations, and other beliefs, to attend our inaugural meeting. During this gathering, we collaboratively established a working methodology and agreed upon the schedule for future meetings, as well as the sequence of workshops and educational sessions to be led by the women within our group. This not only served to empower the women involved but also fostered a sense of unity, motivating them to further develop their skills and expertise in their respective fields. It is worth noting that our participants included doctors, professors, teachers, cultural workers, home-makers, and individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

As a committed cultural and social worker and activist, the presence of diversity among us is a constant source of inspiration. Alongside my friends and colleagues, we have achieved the remarkable feat of bringing together women from various professions, industries, nationalities, and perspectives to engage in a process of learning, connection, and empowerment. It is truly gratifying to witness the exchange of knowledge and support that takes place within our group. Whether it is a home-maker sharing a new cake recipe, a doctor educating fellow women about self-examinations and preventive measures, or a teacher offering guidance on effective parenting strategies to mothers, each interaction holds immense value. Importantly, these exchanges prioritize the knowledge and support shared, devoid of any consideration or bias based on a woman’s name or background.

This project has yielded remarkable progress in the education and knowledge of women in diverse areas mentioned earlier. Notably, women have developed a greater understanding of legal regulations, explored new recipes, gained insights into healthcare and disease prevention, familiarized themselves with educational standards, deepened their comprehension of gender equality and domestic violence, and more. Having devoted over seven decades of life and more than five decades of active community service, the fulfilment and revitalization I experience from this project are akin to the pure joy of a child. Its impact has been truly transformative.